Things Improving At Tyson Plant In Waterloo

Statistics show that Black Hawk county remains one of the hardest-hit areas by coronavirus in the state of Iowa. On Monday, the county health department reported 1,546 cases in the county. Over 90% of the cases in Black Hawk County are from the Tyson Fresh Meats plant in Waterloo.

Black Hawk County Sheriff Tony Thompson has been a vocal critic of Tyson's efforts to prevent the spread. At a virtual press conference Monday afternoon, the sheriff stated that he is now pleased with how Tyson is trying to keep their employees safe.

One of the things we had the opportunity to do on Friday was visit with Tyson's reps at the Waterloo plant and see the amount of massive improvements they are demonstrating and the amount of efforts they are putting in to make it safe.

Sheriff Thompson said despite the improvements, Tyson has not set a re-opening date yet for the Waterloo plant. The plant closed in late April for cleaning and the testing of the plant's nearly 3,000 employees.

In a press release, company officials said part of Tyson's improved efforts is a partnership with Matrix Medicalwhich will include improved access to healthcare and a mobile clinic set up at the site of the Tyson plant in Waterloo, as well as the companies other plant in Columbus Junction.